October 19/11 13:56 pm - FQSC Strongly Condemns the Use of Drugs

Posted by Editoress on 10/19/11

The Quebec cycling federation has released their own statement regarding the positive finding for EPO use by Quebec-based road cyclist Arnaud Papillon, who was racing in the provincial colours when he won the silver medal in the Under-23 road race at the Road Nationals, where he subsequently tested positive.

The Quebec Cycling Federation (FQSC) is deeply shocked by the announcement by the Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport (CEES), which revealed a doping violation committed by the Quebec Cycling Arnaud Papillon.

The analysis of a urine sample collected during a doping test conducted June 25, 2011, at the Canadian Road Championships, revealed the presence of erythropoietin (EPO), a banned substance.

"This is unacceptable. By cheating in this way, the athlete has helped tarnish the image of the sport. It is a disrespect to the rest of the competitors, but also to all who have supported at one time or another in his career," said Louis Barbeau, director general of the FQSC.

"After all representations made to promote a healthy sport, I do not understand that he could commit an act of such carelessness. As we have said, and repeat again: "there is no need to resort to doping to perform." Other athletes have demonstrated this," said Mr. Barbeau.

The CCES, which governs these controls, reacted with sanctions in the circumstances of use, with two years of suspension. The athlete is also no longer eligible for the scholarship program funded by Sport Canada.

"We endorse the decision of the CCES," said Mr. Barbeau. "It goes without saying that we strongly oppose the use of doping substances. Moreover, many efforts have been made in the past to stop doping in our sport. That said, we intend to continue and even intensify measures to fight against this scourge. "

In addition, the FQSC strongly encouraged the athlete to work with the CCES, which currently investigates the origin of such banned substances.

In the wake of this distressing news, the Canadian Cycling Association (CCA) decided to strip the athlete at fault as the silver medal winner that he claimed at the road championship. Of course, the FQSC stands behind this decision, which is to correct an injustice committed against the rest of the riders who took part in this competition.

FQSC wishes to reiterate its position on doping is to say zero tolerance for this method of cheating that, in addition to distorting the sport, is also harmful and even dangerous to the health of those who use it.

Several initiatives have been developed to encourage a healthy sport, whose campaign Roulez gagnants au naturel!, launched April 26, 2006. The success of this program was such that the CCA decided in 2009 to extend the benefits to the entire community by creating a Canadian Cycling national equivalent: Race Clean - OWN THE VICTORY.